Nuclear AMRC Midlands Is Now Open

The new research and innovation centre Nuclear AMRC Midlands is now open in the iHub at Infinity Park, Derby. The launch event for this major expansion of the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, was attended by approximately 150 regional manufacturers and stakeholders.

Industry speakers also attended, including Dr Hamid Mughal, director of manufacturing at Rolls-Royce; Will Tanner, director of public affairs at Bombardier; and Neil Foreman, chief executive of Centronic, a new member company of the AMRC. They were joined by government speakers Craig Lester, deputy director of nuclear strategy at BEIS, presenting an update on the UK’s nuclear programme; and Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, discussing regional innovation challenges.

“Our new facility in Derby gives us an incredible opportunity to work with manufacturers of all sizes operating in the most economically important industries across the Midlands. As well as helping companies win work in nuclear, the technologies we are developing can tackle the manufacturing challenges in automotive, rail, aerospace, renewable energy and many other high-value sectors,” commented Andrew Storer, chief executive officer of the innovation centre.

“We have already helped dozens of Midlands-based manufacturers become Fit For Nuclear through our supply chain development programme, and want to collaborate with even more to support their ambitions to innovate and win work at home and worldwide,” Andrew added.

A collaboration between the Nuclear AMRC, Derby City Council and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, the new facility is just the first phase. Proposals for a bespoke research facility of around 6,000 sq metres on Infinity Park are being developed by the centre, together with Derby City Council, the D2N2 LEP and industrial partners. The proposed centre will focus on later-stage development in technology areas which will deliver the maximum impact for the UK’s supply chain.